SINTOK, 13 May 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today officially welcomed YBhg. Dato’ Muhamad Khizri Abu Kassim as the newly appointed Member of the University Board of Directors (LPU) in a Sesi Suai Tugas – an official welcoming and familiarisation session – held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Meeting Room, Sultan Sallehuddin Chancellery Building.
During the session, Dato’ Muhamad Khizri reaffirmed his strong commitment to contributing his expertise, experience, and service towards further strengthening the excellence of this leading management university.
“My intention is to contribute meaningfully to UUM. I aspire to leave behind a lasting legacy and ensure that my name is associated with the continued success and achievements of this university,” he said.
In addressing the increasingly competitive global higher education landscape, he expressed his readiness to help position the University to greater heights.
Drawing upon his extensive background in politics and business at the international level particularly in Australia and Singapore, Dato’ Muhamad Khizri expressed his aspiration to introduce fresh perspectives to the role of university board members, while dispelling negative perceptions surrounding the involvement of politicians as members of the university boards.
“If I am unable to bring about positive change or contribute meaningfully to the University, I will step down voluntarily. My presence here is driven by my sincere intention to serve my home state,” he said. He previously served as a member of the Board of Governors of Universiti Sains Malaysia before concluding his tenure on 30 April.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, in his welcoming speech, described Dato’ Muhamad Khizri’s appointment as a significant asset to the University, particularly as a Kedah-born figure returning to contribute to his homeland.
“The entire UUM campus community is deeply honoured by this appointment. We are confident that his vast corporate and international experience will bring tremendous benefit to the UUM Big Family.
“We remain fully committed to providing our utmost cooperation in ensuring that the mission of elevating UUM’s brand on the international stage is successfully realised,” said Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha.
The session was also attended by senior university officials and members of the university’s top management, all of whom expressed hope that this new synergy would further propel UUM towards sustained excellence and continued success in the years to come.
